Gerakan and MIPP: Props in PN's multiracial illusion

 Having been part of Perikatan Nasional, I understand how the coalition positions itself as a multiracial force. It highlights Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) as proof of this claim, but the reality is far less convincing.

These parties exist within PN not as genuine representatives of their communities but as symbolic figures designed to create an illusion of diversity. Their presence does not change the fact that PN’s voter base, leadership structure, and policy direction remain overwhelmingly reliant on Malay support.

This isn’t surprising - it’s simply the way PN was built. Gerakan and MIPP were never meant to be influential players within the coalition. Instead, they serve a function: to present PN as inclusive without significantly altering its political core.

Gerakan was once a dominant force in Penang, governing the state for nearly four decades. However, the political landscape has shifted, and Gerakan has struggled to adapt. While the party still carries historical significance, it no longer holds meaningful influence among voters, particularly in the Chinese community, where support has overwhelmingly shifted to DAP.

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Within PN, Gerakan does not play a decisive role in shaping policies or electoral strategies. Unlike MCA, which - despite its challenges - retains a grassroots network, Gerakan lacks a strong voter base and a clear path to political recovery. Its inclusion in PN is less about real electoral impact and more about providing a familiar name to support the coalition’s multiracial branding.

If Gerakan is struggling to regain relevance, MIPP is practically invisible. Despite PN’s claims that MIPP represents Indian interests, the party lacks widespread recognition, even among Indian voters. It has no significant grassroots presence, no electoral machinery, and no meaningful role within the coalition.

Perikatan Nasional supporters

In contrast, even MIC, despite its declining influence, remains a known entity with decades of history. MIPP, on the other hand, does not feature in any serious political conversation among Indian voters. It exists within PN as a placeholder rather than a party with real standing.

A matter of optics, not influence

For any coalition to be truly representative, it must earn the trust of the communities it claims to include. PN’s reliance on Gerakan and MIPP is not about genuine representation but optics. The coalition functions as a Malay-dominated political force, and the role of its non-Malay parties is largely symbolic.

This approach is not unexpected. It follows a familiar pattern that echoes BN’s old model, where Umno led while MCA and MIC played supporting roles. However, times have changed. Voters today do not respond to token representation; they expect political parties to have real influence over decision-making.

The numbers confirm this reality. Non-Malay voters continue to overwhelmingly support Pakatan Harapan, with Gerakan and MIPP failing to gain traction. Their presence has not broadened PN’s appeal beyond its core Malay voter base.

Politics is about strategy, and PN’s approach to multiracial representation is clear - it maintains its core structure while ensuring it has just enough non-Malay presence to claim inclusivity. Gerakan and MIPP fit neatly into this framework. They allow PN to project a multiracial image without fundamentally altering its political composition.

This isn’t a failure; it’s simply how the coalition operates. PN does not rely on Gerakan or MIPP to secure votes or influence policies - it relies on them to sustain a narrative. And as long as that narrative serves its purpose, their role within the coalition remains intact.

For voters, however, the distinction is clear. Representation is not just about being present - it’s about having influence. And in that regard, Gerakan and MIPP bring little to the table. Their role in PN is functional, but ultimately, it is an illusion - one that many Malaysians see through. - Mkini

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MAHATHIR MOHD RAIS is a former Federal Territories Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional secretary.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.